The R.O.T.C. Manual-Cavalry

Chapter VII.

Cavalry Drill and Combat Signals


These images were taken from, The R.O.T.C. Manual-Cavalry, National Service Publishing Co. Washington, 1933, pages 234, 237 and 239. Text is from pages 233, 235, 237 and 239.

General Provisions. Drill and combat signals are for the purpose of transmitting commands and information. They are employed when oral commands are not desirable, or are impracticable.

Signals may be given by whistle, or by arm-and-hand. To render any arm-and-hand signals more visible, the saber or headdress may be carried in the hand during the execution of the signal.

Whistle signals will be made with the whistle prescribed for the leader or commander concerned.

In the list of arm-and-hand signals, signals are prescribed for the right arm and hand, unless specifically stated otherwise; however, any signal may be executed, when necessary with left arm and hand.

Signals must be plainly visible to those concerned in their execution. They should be made with precision, every position taken by the arm and hand during the signal being distinct and clear.

Arm-and-hand signals include both preparatory signals and signals of execution. Whenever the command for any movement includes both a preparatory command and a command of execution, both a preparatory signal and a signal of execution must be used.

Preparatory arm-and-hand signals are made from the position of the hand at the side, and the signal of execution by the return of the hand to the side. Preparatory signals with the saber are made from the position of carry saber, and the signal of execution by the return to carry saber.

Combination arm-and-hand signals (those made-up of two or more elements) should be avoided, unless the component parts are easily recognized; and they should never be used when a single signal will serve the purpose. When used, they should always be made-up in the same sequence as an oral command would be worded; for example, the proper sequence of signals for Line of Troops in Column of fours would be: Line, followed by troops, followed by Column of fours.


Whistle Signals.

Whistle signals other than the two given below are prohibited.

Attention to orders. A short blast of the whistle. This signal is used to fix the attention of the troops, or of their commanders and leaders, preparatory to giving commands, orders, or signals.

Suspend firing. A long blast of the whistle. This signal should be verified at once by an arm-and-hand signal, or by other means.


Arm-and-Hand Signals.

The following general arm-and-hand signals, when appropriate, are applicable to all cavalry units:

Are you ready? or I am ready (execution). Extend the arm toward the leader for whom the signal is intended, hand raised, fingers extended and joined, palm toward the leader.

Assemble (preparatory). Raise the hand vertically to the full extend of the arm, palm to the front, fingers extended and joined, then describe slowly with the arm small horizontal circles about the head.

Attention (execution). Raise the arm vertically to its full extent, palm to the front, and move the arm and hand slowly back and forth several times from right to left and from left to right, in a vertical plane.

Bring up the led horses. Same as prepare to mount.

By the right (left) flank. (preparatory). Extend the hand horizontally, to the full extend of the arm, directly to the right (left).

Cease firing (execution). Raise the forearm as prescribed for suspend firing, and swing it up and down in front of the face.

Change direction (preparatory). Extend the arm horizontally, palm down, in the direction of the marching flank; and then make a wide sweeping movement ( with the arm in a horizontal plane) toward the new direction, and point in that direction.

Column (preparatory). Raise the arm vertically to its full extent; then drop the arm to the rear, and describe circles (in a vertical plane to the right) with the arm fully extended.

Column right (left) Column half right (half left) (preparatory). Same as described for change direction.

Commence firing (execution). Extend the hand horizontally in front of the body to the full extend of the arm, palm down; then move the arm several times through a wide horizontal arc.

Decrease the gait (preparatory). Raise the right elbow to a position above and to the right of the right shoulder, the forearm extending upward and to the left, right hand above the head, palm to the front. Except when the leader’s example indicates otherwise, a decrease in gait of one degree is understood.

Disregard (execution). Place the hand against the back at the height of the waist, back of the hand toward the body.

Double time (preparatory). Same as increase the gait.

Fight on foot, action right (left, front or rear) (execution). Strike straight from the shoulder, with the closed fist, several blows in the direction in which the action is desired.

Fire faster (execution). Execute rapidly the signal commence firing.

Fire slower (execution). Execute slowly the command commence firing.

Flock (preparatory). Extend the arm to the side horizontally, fingers extended and joined, and describe small vertical circles with hand and arm.

Follow me (execution). Same as forward.

Forward (preparatory). Raise the hand vertically to the full extend of the arm, palm to the front; then lower the hand and arm in the direction of movement ( until horizontal).

Fours (preparatory). Raise the hand vertically to the full extent of the arm, all fingers extended and separated, thumb closed in the palm of the hand.

Fours left about (preparatory). Same as fours, followed by to the rear.

Fours right (left) (preparatory). From the vertical position of the preparatory signal Fours, the hand and arm are carried smartly to the right (or left) until horizontal, fingers remaining extended and separated in a vertical plane.

Halt (preparatory). Raise the hand vertically to the full extent of the arm, palm to the left, fingers extended and joined (execution drop the arm smartly to the side.)

Increase the gait (preparatory). Carry the hand to the shoulder, fist closed; then, rapidly, thrust upward vertically to the full extent of the arm and back to the shoulder several times. Except when the leader’s example indicates otherwise, an increase in gait of one degree is understood.

Lie down (execution). Turn toward the unit and raise the hand, palm down, in front of the elbow, forearm horizontal; then thrust the hand downward and back to this position several times, holding the wrist rigid.

Line (preparatory). Raise the hand vertically to the full extent of the arm, fingers extended and joined, and wave well down alternately to the right and left several times.

Line of troopers, mounted (preparatory). Extend the arms horizontally to the front, palm down, and move it rapidly from left to right and from right to left in a horizontal plane. When this signal is used, an interval of 5 yards between troopers is to be taken, unless otherwise directed by the leader.

Line of troopers, dismounted (preparatory). Raise both arms laterally until horizontal, arms and hands extended, palms down. When this signal is used, an interval of 5 yards between troopers is to be taken, unless otherwise directed by the leader.

March (execution). Raise the hand vertically to the front, palm down to the left, fingers extended and joined; after a very brief pause in this position, drop the arm smartly to the side.

New Target (execution). Extend the arm and hand to the front, palm to the right (left). Swing the arm to the right (left) and point in the direction of the new target.

Platoons (preparatory). Raise the right elbow to the height of the shoulder, fist closed, forearm vertical.

Prepare to dismount (preparatory). Extend the arm diagonally upward to the right , palm downward, fingers extended and joined, and wave the arm downward, to a horizontal position, several times. The signal for the execution of the movement is the same as the preparatory signal, except that the arm is carried through the horizontal to the side.

Prepare to mount (preparatory). Extend the hand horizontally to the right, palm up, fingers extended and joined; and wave the arm upward several times. The signal for the execution is the same as the signal for March.

Prepare to rush (preparatory). Same as increase gait.

Quick time (preparatory). Same as increase gait.

Rally (execution). Raise the hand vertically to the full extent of the arm, palm down, fingers extended and joined; then describe rapidly with the arm large horizontal circles.

Range (execution). Announce the range by extending the arm to its full extend, with fist closed, toward the leader or men for whom the signal is intended; then open the fist, exposing the palm and fingers to the leader or men, once for 500 yards, twice for 1,000 yards and so on. Move the fist upward, wrist rigid, and back to the range-announcing position once for each100 yards up to 500 and for each additional 100 yards above 500 (or multiple of 500). To add 50 yards, describe a short horizontal line with the arm, fist closed. A change of elevation is accomplished by signaling (completely) the new range.

Right (left turn): right (left) half turn (preparatory). Same as change direction.

Squads (preparatory). Raise the hand vertically to the full extent of the arm, palm to the left, fingers extended and joined; then, holding the arm steady, distinctly move the hand (from the wrist) to the right and left several times.

Suspend firing (preparatory). Raise the forearm to a horizontal position in front of the forehead, palm to the front, fingers extended and joined. Hold the forearm steady until the signal is understood.

Take cover (execution). Same as lie down.

To the rear (preparatory). Turn and point to the rear, arm extended.

Troopers (preparatory). Raise the hand vertically to the full extent of the arm, first finger extended, other fingers closed in the palm of the hand.

Troops (preparatory). Place the palm of the hand against the back of the neck.

Twos (preparatory). Raise the hand vertically to the full extent of the arm, first two fingers extended and separated, other fingers closed in the palm of the hand.


Additional Signals for Various Units

For Rifle Units. In addition to the general arm-and-hand signals, the following arm-and-hand signal is prescribed for rifle units only:

Action front (right, left or rear) (execution). Same as prescribed for Fight on foot.

Down (so many) mils (execution). Extend the arm fully—slightly above the horizontal, palm down, fingers extended and joined—toward the gun or guns for which the signal is intended; and wave downward with a full swing of the arm. Indicate the number of mils by flexing the elbow and thrusting the closed fist to the front once for each 5 mils , and downward once for each single mil. Thus for four mils, thrust downward 4 times; for 6 mils, thrust to the front once and downward once.

Out of action (execution). Strike the closed fist of the right hand rapidly against the palm of the left hand several times.

To the right (left) (so many mils) (execution). Extend the arm to the front with the palm to the right (left), fingers extended and joined; and wave to the right (left). Indicate the number of mils by flexing the elbow and thrusting the closed fist to the front once for each 5 mils, and to the right ( left) once fore each single mil. The change is measured on the windage scale.

Traversing fire (execution). Extend the arm to the front, palm to the left (right) fingers extended and joined; and wave the hand up and down with a chopping motion, at the same time moving the arm and hand right to left (left to right) as it is desired that the fire be distributed.

Up (so many) mils (execution). Extend the arm to the front and downward palm up, fingers extended and joined; and wave upward with a full swing of the arm. Indicate the number of mils by flexing the elbow and thrusting with a closed fist to the front for each 5 mils, and upward for each single mil. The change in measured on the elevating mechanism.

For Transportation Elements. In addition to the appropriate generals arm-and-hand signals, for following arm-and-hand signals are prescribed for transportation elements:

Right (left) by section (execution). Point to the right (left) section with the arm fully extended, palm down; the signal Forward.

Right (left) front into line (preparatory). Signal Line, then Right (left) oblique.

Right (left) into line (preparatory). Point to the right (left); then signal Line.

Sections (preparatory). Raise the hand vertically to the full extent of the arm, fist closed.

Sections column right (left) (preparatory). Signal Sections; then Column right (left).


Special Signals for Scouts and Patrols. In addition to the appropriate general arm-and-hand signals, the following signals are prescribed for scouts and patrols only.

Enemy in site in small numbers. Hold the weapon horizontally above the head , with arms extended as if guarding the head.

Enemy in site in large numbers. Hold the weapon as prescribed for Enemy in site in small numbers; and lower and raise it several times by flexing the arms at the elbows.